Suzanne McLaughlin

I called an old friend today. A former housemate. One I hadn't spoken with in some twenty years. Odd. Because I truly loved him as a friend. We'd exchanged postcards from time to time. When I called, his wife answered and gave me some precursory third-degree...which I understood. I am a woman calling her husband, after all. Then, after she ascertained that I was not a threat, just wanting to return some personal property and that I was, truly, just a friend, she gave me some really interesting news about my old friend who had just left for the Boundary Waters.

I really don't want to reveal the very interesting news, but, after discussing it for a time, she invited me for cocktails and appetizers to surprise him on his return. He will be returning on Saturday. We will meet on Sunday. He is one of the most interesting, entertaining and enchanting persons I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with. And, I feel so honored to have been invited to surprise him.

The moral of the story is: call your old friends, you might be surprised at how their lives have changed. And, you might find some new friends and guidance in the process!!!!

So, I decided that my little red Landrover needed some attention to detail since it decided that the radio was going on strike. Drat! I can barely drive without musical accompaniment. I have been very good to my car since it is one of the many tools I use in my business. But, slowly, it is revolting, given the many, many miless I ask it to go to do Broker Price Opinons, listing appointments, and buyer consultations. I understand. I wouldn't want to work that hard either, oh, that's right, I do! Plus put in hours working on price opinions, printing off open house sheets, purchase agreements, listing contracts and all the other attendant paperwork that goes with listing, buyer and selling homes. Well, little Red, you are nice and clean, given your dratted black carpet that shows every little flaw, and you are all armor-alled and nice smelly, and have all your eyes wide open again...so we can take you out with buyers who will ignore you and look at all the beautiful homes your owner will show them! They will be very pleased with their new homes, and I have you to thank.

It just dawned on me that I am a professional worrier. I woryy about my buyers, my sellers, the market, what the President will say, did I get all the bills in to my asset mangement companies on time, will they pay me? Did I do a great enough presentation on that last listing appointment? I could go on and on.

Sometimes, after I've played in the Rain, I will play a game or two of solitaire or hearts on the computer. Why? It allows my subconscious to come up with ideas, solutions and other things to worry about. It is a great way to allow your mind to wander and not have to take credit for what comes in or what goes out! But, I will tell you, that one game may lead to another if you allow the brain to "free fall". I used to try meditation but this keeps the busy mind going and lets the subconscious do its thing.

Might not work for you, but, lately, I'm really getting good at hearts!!!!

Someone just called and told me that they had enlisted the assistance of one of the advertisers on televsion to get foreclosure assistance. (I cringed, sorry.)

Well, $4,000 later, money they could not afford to spend or they would have made the payments on their home, they are facing a sheriff's sale. The up side is that we may still be able to save them from complete disaster. But, they are now facing even more loss. And, they basically "gave away" $4,000 to someone who could not or would not help them save the home.

Not saying these were con artists, but it sure smells of it. When you or someone you knows trusts the advertisers to deliver, do you have complete confidence that even though they don't operate in your state or, even if they do, do they have your best interests at heart? Or, do you think they might want to prolong the agony for more money per month to perform on your behalf? Hmmmm....

Desparation takes many forms, and embarrassment to contact someone in your community takes some intestinal fortitude. However, those of us who work in your community have a far greater stake in your well-being and doing the right thing than someone out of state who cares little, if at all, about your property or you! I know that if I do the right thing by you, you will refer your relatives and friends. Being in this community means a lot to me. And, I want my friends, colleagues and relatives to know they can trust me to do the right thing. I work at it every day.

When you have a problem, right from the start, get the best advice you can whether from legal counsel, an accountant or a trusted realtor. I'm here if you just need an ear. And, I have many trusted advisors to refer you to, should you need them.

There has never been, in recent history, a better time for first-time homebuyers to negotiate a sale on any property...bank-owned, owner-owned or short sale. However, there are hazards in the making.

If you think that bypassing a Buyer's Representative and dealing directly with the listing agent gives you an advantage, you are sorely mistaken. It is your choice, however you will be handing over all of your confidential information to the person listing the property. Now, in the State of Minnesota, that constitutes dual agency which means that the agent holds no preference to either party. They cannot, or should not, disclose price, terms or motivation to either party. Do you really want to give up the representation of what could be a bulldog on your behalf to a chihuahua? (Sorry to you dog owners for the analogy.)

You likely won't save money. However, you are giving the agent a double dose of what is best for the agent. A high price with little negotiation means a higher percentage of the sale in the pocket for you-know-who. So, when you are buying, be sure who is representing you. You know best. However, we don't define ourselves as wolves and lambs for nothing. You must be sure you know what you are doing if you go it alone...Just stay safe out there. Especially, these days. Trust me, bank-owned properties and short sales are no easy walk in the park. It was certainly bad enough with one seller-one buyer transactions, but these have cost me sleep and sensibility more than once.

Be safe and hire your own representation. It usually costs you nothing and you will be a lot safer, saner and glad you did in the end.